DC United Takes to the Streets to Try to Keep the Team in DC

By: Laurie | May 8th, 2009

Poor DC United. Nobody wants to give them a home.

The four-time winners of both the MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield are currently playing in RFK Stadium, built in 1961, the former home of the Washington Redskins (US Football) and the Washington Nationals (baseball.) And attempts to give them a stadium of their own have been less than productive.

First, plans to stay in DC itself fell through. Then nearby Prince George’s County, Maryland, couldn’t get any officials to jump on the bandwagon. (Strike two.) Now Frederick County has expressed at least lukewarm interest, but

It’s one of the least centrally located counties in the region. A roundtrip journey would last longer than a game for many people.

And MLS Commissioner Don Garber has officially weighed in on the topic, saying that if a stadium deal can’t be reached, the team will be moved elsewhere — presumably to someplace that offers more political (read: financial) support.

So what’s the problem? Does the nation’s capital really not want soccer?

Hard to believe that. They have a hardcore fan base, and in the 2008 season — despite not having a great year — the team was third in attendance for the league and averaged nearly 20,000 fans a game. But somethow this fan base hasn’t translated into political clout. They just can’t seem to get a deal that will allow them to keep the team.

To draw attention to the issue, United fans have a march scheduled tomorrow to try to drum up support.

“D.C. United has long enjoyed a special relationship with our fans, who are the best in Major League Soccer,” said United President Kevin Payne. “No matter what the need, we can always count on the unswerving support of our fans. It’s no surprise that they’ve organized this march in support of our club. We hope the political leadership of the District, and the region, pay attention. We’re sure the march and rally will be enthusiastic and friendly.

Love DC or hate them, I think any MLS fan would have to admit that shipping them to another area of the country would be a bad result. So if you’re an MLS fan and anywhere near the capital tomorrow, consider stopping by to show your support.

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Category: MLS, World Football

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Jay

I live in Winchester, VA...and you know it might actually work in Frederick County, MD or VA....there are no other professional teams out there. There are also 4 states all within 50 miles of Frederick...VA, PA, WVA and MD. It wouldn't take but an hour from Fairfax County...how long do you spend getting to RFK now? DC United is only trying to draw 30-40k people...you don't need to put these teams in the most populated, and most expensive areas. If United actually attempted to integrate into the community out there like European clubs do (youth acadamy, etc), and develop the kids out there they'll get strong support. I've gone to one United game since I moved to Winchester, and it sucked. They couldn't trap the ball effectively, the stadium was filthy, the food was expensive and frankly nasty. Not to mention their marketing department is filled with morons. Clearly the tools running bigger cities like DC don't see any value in having a soccer team, so take it somewhere you'll be appreciated. DUH! I doubt they are smart enough to realize it.
Juan

I'm from DC and am very scared to think that I will have to watch all my DC United games on my television or my computer since both those counties are too far of a drive.

Frederick County? Seriously? stadium support is going to drop like a stone, that's way too far for some people.
Ian

Second Daryl's point. If DC can go this way, so can virtually any team in the league.
Daryl

Despite all the recent progress in MLS, it's a bit worrying that one of the league's most successful teams can find itself in this situation.